O.P.A.P. is, very simply, the acronym for “Onomasia Proelefsis Anoteras Poiotitas” that you could translate in English by “Appellation of Origin of Higher Quality”.
Greek wine law is kind of based on the French legislation regarding wines. Legally, it means that the designation O.P.A.P. that you could find on the Label of Greek wines would be an equivalent to the French quality wine category known as VQPRD (in French: ”Vin de Qualité Produit dans une Région Déterminée”).
Greece counts 20 O.P.A.P. Appellations only, because of stricter conditions applied to this designation, meaning that wine with this distinctive designation will most likely be of a higher hand, and will show off more of a “Terroir” taste.
A crisp and original wine from Cephalonia in Greece, made of an indigenous grape which would gain to be known. Spread the word about Robola grape, this one has a lot of potential!
Technical Data: 100% Robola grape, indigenous to the Ionian Islands, aged in stainless steel tanks only to preserve freshness and crispness of the wine. The wine is cold stabilized and filtered just once prior to bottling.
Description: Bright gold color. Fragrant nose showing off the characteristic aromas of this grape with lots of citrus and minerality. Powerful yet very subtle wine, citrussy flavors intertwined with white peach, ripe apricot and minerality. A slight hint of white pepper at the very end of the palate. Long lasting mineral finish.
Food Pairing & Service: This is a gorgeous wine to enjoy by itself or with food. This wine will accompany perfectly seafood, shellfish, strong flavored fish, lemon sauce chicken, any kind of metzes or tapas, sushi as well as spicy fusion cuisine.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $15.99
Although Robola Grape is grown throughout Greece, it is indigenous to Cephalonia in the Ionian Islands , a region also known as Corfou. It is the star grape of the Cephalonia Appellation. This is a high altitude white grape, which produces powerful wines that has distinct citrus/lemony and mineral notes. Typical yields for Robola are between 3,500 and 6,000 kg/ha . The Robola grape is early ripening with high acidity levels and can sustain wet winters and hot, dry summers without any problems. It can be made into a single variety wine or used in a blend.
A medium to full-bodied dry red wine from the region of Nemea in Greece.
Technical Data: 100% Agiorgitiko grape, indigenous to Greece, aged 12 months in oak + 6 months in bottle prior its release.
Description: Deep plum color. On the nose, the wine exudes cherry and herbs aromas. Medium to full-bodied “bone-dry” red wine. On the palate, ripe cherries flavors and herbal notes entangled with plum and very ripe tannins.
Food Pairing & Service: This wine will accompany perfectly medium to high intensity dishes.
Score: 7/10.
Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $21.99
A medium-bodied and spicy easy-drinking red wine from Peloponnese in Greece.
Technical Data: This is a blend of Mavrodaphne and Refosco grapes, both indigenous to Greece. It is likely that this wine was aged in oak barrels but I could not find any “sure” info about that matter.
Description: Ruby red color. The nose is loaded with red and black fruits aromas nicely laced with cedar and leather. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, dry and spicy and exults of plum and ripe black cherries. Cedar and leather notes are present at the very end. Smooth velvety tannins.
Food Pairing & Service: This wine will accompany perfectly medium to high intensity dishes.
Score: 7/10.
Ageing Potential: It could easily lay down from 5 to 10 more years, but it is already amazingly good that it probably won’t make it that long into your cellar!
Price as seen on DC shelf: $20.99
A dry easy-drinking red wine from southern Greece made from the indigenous Agiogitiko grape. “Notios” means “the southerner”.
Technical Data: 100% Agiorgitiko grape, indigenous to Greece.
Description: Bright tawny color. Quite an intense nose with aromas of red and black fruits followed up by spiciness and wood notes. A soft and velvety dry red wine loaded with, upfront, plum and blackberry flavors and backed up by leather, black pepper, oak and smokiness. Silky smooth tannins for a well balanced wine with a long lasting finish.
Food Pairing & Service: This wine will accompany perfectly medium to high intensity dishes.
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99
Agiorgitiko, is an indigenous grape from Greece, also known as Mavro Nemeas or St. George. The wines produced with Agiorgitiko grape tend to be somewhat low in acid with balanced tannins and a fruity, dark cherry tone.
The wines produced with this grape can range from Rosés to oak aged reds.
Nowadays, you can find Agiorgitiko grape blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to produce international styled reds from Greece.
Dry Rose wine from Peloponessos in Greece. Both very fruity and floral although it is a dry wine. A very good surprise! I will sip it again during this summer without a doubt!
Technical Data: 100% Moschofilero grape, indigenous to Greece. Stainless Steel tanks to preserve the freshness of the wine.
Description: Bright and light pink color. Distinctive aromas of rose petals, raspberries and strawberries. Soft entrance for this medium bodied dry rose wine. Raspberry flavors backed up by rose petal. Good lengthy finish. Quite refreshing.
Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine, can be of course drunk by itself. Food suggestions would be as follow, white meats (turkey is delicious with it), mild cheeses, pastas with tomato based sauce, fresh cut apples and pears. Serve slightly chilled.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Up to 2-3 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99
This is an Appellation of Origin Controlled “Mantinia” from Peloponnese in Greece out of the famous Spiropoulos Winery. A crisp and refreshing white wine exclusively made from the Moschofilero grape. Produced from vineyards Certified Organic.
Technical Data: 100% Moschofilero grape, which is indigenous to Greece. Stainless Steel Tanks only for this wine to preserve the freshness of the grapes.
Description: Light bright gold color complemented by greenish hues. Fragrant and elegant nose. Aromas of green apple and pear are dominating, backed up by rose petals aromas. On the palate the wine is soft at first. Crisp and refreshing mid-palate, for a dry wine, well balanced with a nice acidity thru and thru. Very long and powerful aftertaste for this medium bodied wine.
Food Pairing & Service: Mild fish or shellfish based dishes with fine but not overly aromatic character.
Score: 8/10. Perfect during summer!
Ageing Potential: up to 3 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $13.99
Crisp and fragant white blend from the Santorini Island, Greece. Something new worth to try!
Technical Data:Two Grapes blend, Assyrtico and Aidani grapes.
Description:Bright golden color, light fruits on the nose with undertones of citrus. In the palate, citrus, lemon and melon like overtones are its main flavors with a crisp acidity and a quite refreshing finish.
Food Pairing & Service:Food friendly wine. Idealy paired with fish, seafood, white meats and mild cheeses. Also a perfect sipping wine. Serve chilled.
Score:8/10
Suggested Retail Price:$11.99
